I am in the process of getting help from legal-aid but in the meantime, I thought I would seek some advice here. Made a terrible choice and now find myself in a worse situation (that's the way it usually is - correct?). Shoplifted in Canada and have a charge (theft under $5000). I had a very clean record up until now. I have been crossing the border as a student for the last 3 years and have 3 more years to go in the US as a commuting Canadian student. I'm sure I'll be offered the diversion program but from what I have understood this does not guarantee me entry into the US. I have Visa papers (1-20/F-1) that are updated every term. I have a Nexus card. Will all of this be negatively impacted? Could I possibly request the store (Loblaws) to drop the charges before my fingerprinting date? What can I do to make this terrible mistake(for which I am responsible for and have learned from), better again and not make my life propel into a downward spiral?